A spokesperson from the county council said: “Once we are satisfied that we have all the information we need, we will go out to a further consultation for 21 days. This will take us past the 9th February planning meeting. We continue to endeavour to meet the earliest planning committee meeting we can for a determination on the Third Energy shale gas application at the KM8 well site near Kirby Misperton.”

The first consultation was launched in August 2015, with the decision expected in November.

Third Energy said it hasn’t been told about any additional information or delay by the county council.

A spokesperson added: “Third Energy has submitted the information requested by North Yorkshire County Council which we understand they are currently reviewing.”

Friends of the Earth believes the decision is a “set-back” for the fracking industry and will make people question on “whether it will ever happen in Britain.

Yorkshire and Humber Campaigner Simon Bowens said: “North Yorkshire County Council is right to delay this decision which, for a start, could have a profound impact on Yorkshire’s beautiful landscape. This deserves full investigation.

“It’s time to look at the real reason that fracking has failed to take off anywhere in this country: it is risky, unpopular and is still not likely to bring energy bills down. And this is without considering the biggest issue in this debate which is that fracking is just not compatible with preventing climate change.”